No forfeiture of win for Ateneo, only suspension for Perasol

MANILA, Philippines - The UAAP board spared Ateneo of forfeiture of a won game for "violating the condition of the suspension" of coach Bo Perasol during the Blue Eagles' Sept. 8 outing with University of the East but ordered the mentor to serve the ban in their next assignment instead.

Perasol sat it out when the Eagles dumped the Warriors, 77-72, but his presence inside the ADMU dugout at the Mall of Asia Arena created a stir as UE sought a probe, claiming that being in the venue during the period of suspension was in violation of league rules for suspended team officials.

Ateneo itself had asked for a similar "clarification," citing the presence of suspended UE player Ralf Olivares near the UE bench during that game, as well as cases in earlier matches where banned cagers were seen "on the bench or its immediate vicinity."

Violations of the conditions of suspension regularly result in forfeiture of the affected game but the board decided against nullifying the Ateneo's win.

Perasol will have to skip Ateneo's do-or-die match against Santo Tomas, its rival for the fourth and last Final Four berth, in the last day of elims on Wednesday. Olivares, however, got a warning, as did other cagers who showed up in the games they were serving suspensions in.

"There's no forfeiture of the game but Bo Perasol is suspended for one game. Olivares is not suspended for he has substantially served his suspension (already)," UAAP President Fr. Max Rendon of Adamson told The STAR after the board meeting.

“Coach Bo was in the game venue when he was supposed to be serving his suspension, that is why the board decided that he should be serving the penalty,” the UAAP said in a statement.

The Ateneo team management said they sought for and was granted permission for Perasol to remain in the dugout during the UE game.

Perasol said he would respect the board's decision.

"I have yet to be officially notified of the board's resolution to that particular matter. I am not in a position to defend myself or whether I think the decision is right or wrong. However, whatever it is, I will abide by it. My team will fight for that Final Four slot with or without me at the helm," he said in a text message.

The eligibility case in the women's division, meanwhile, resulted in forfeiture, with Far Eastern U Lady Tams forfeiting five won games where Vangie Soriano played. Soriano was disqualified for playing in a "ligang labas" while the season was ongoing.

"It's not a a commercial league but a Sunday club but still in violation of UAAP rules. FEU voluntarily forfeits. No need for board to vote," said FEU athletic director Mark Molina.

As such, the Lady Tams dropped to 7-7, in danger of missing the Final Four. National U emerged on top with 12-2 while La Salle took No. 2 seeding with 11-2. Santo Tomas and Adamson carry identical 7-6 marks.